CCA disseminates information to educate craniofacial patients and their families, health care providers and the general public regarding craniofacial conditions.  CCA also promotes public awareness of craniofacial conditions and social acceptance of individuals with facial disfigurement.  Craniofacial patient families often call CCA seeking emotional support and to discuss problems, and to identify resources.  Through our database we are able to network families with support groups and/or others who have similar conditions and experiences.  We also keep a list of helpful resources and are always willing to listen and offer emotional support to family members who need a shoulder to lean on.   More on our services below:
 

toll-free hotline:

1.800.535.3643

CCA provides a toll-free 800 number since many families do not have the resources to pay for long distance phone calls. It is very possible that without referral to a craniofacial center, affected children would not receive the comprehensive, quality medical treatment imperative to optimum results. Via the toll-free hotline CCA also provides much needed educational materials and emotional support. (see Contact Us)
 

physician listing:

Children’s Craniofacial Association refers to the full members of the International Society of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons. These surgeons head teams of specialists specifically trained in the surgical management of problems involving the face and head. Centers with craniofacial teams working together have the advantage of a greater experience to provide comprehensive, quality care, which leads to better results and fewer complications. In addition, on going research at these centers offers patients the latest breakthroughs in treatment. As there are only a few experienced teams in the country, it is quite common for families to travel long distance to get the best care. A list of these surgeons may be obtained by calling the CCA office. Or from our website www.CCAKids.com.   (see: Qualified Centers)
 

information and support:

CCA disseminates information to educate craniofacial patients and their families, health care providers and the general public regarding craniofacial conditions. By providing this information, CCA also promotes public awareness of craniofacial conditions and social acceptance of individuals with facial disfigurement.

Craniofacial patient families often call CCA to seek emotional support, discuss problems and identify resources. Through our database we are able to network families with support groups and/or others who have similar conditions and experiences. We also keep a list of helpful resources and are always willing to listen and offer emotional support to family members who need a shoulder upon which to lean. (see: Family Networking)
 

educational booklets:

CCA has published a series of seven booklets for parents, which explain various craniofacial conditions and their treatment. The booklets, A Guide To Understanding Apert Syndrome, A Guide To Understanding Craniosynostosis, A Guide To Understanding Hemangiomas, A Guide To Understanding Hemifacial Microsomia, A Guide To Understanding Microtia, A Guide To Understanding Treacher Collins Syndrome, and A Guide To Understanding Facial Palsy are in question/answer format and are written in easy-to-understand text.  (see: Syndrome Booklets)
 

financial assistance:

Since there are relatively few quality craniofacial centers in the United States, many families must travel to receive this quality care. The treatment of craniofacial patients may require from one to as many as twenty or more surgeries. Therefore, even families with insurance are often unable to meet the financial requirements to travel to receive quality care for their children. CCA offers these families funds for food, travel, and lodging through its financial assistance program. CCA also helps families locate discounted hotel rates as well as donated airfare.  (see: Contact Us)
 

cca newsletter:

A quarterly newsletter is published to inform readers of CCA activities as well as educate families, donors and interested parties of the latest in craniofacial treatment. The newsletter also addresses issues affecting not only the craniofacial patients but their siblings and parents as well. Subjects such as teasing, grieving and other psychosocial issues are addressed.  (see: Newsletters)
 

cher’s family retreat:

The annual Cher’s Family Retreat is held each June to provide craniofacial patients, their siblings and parents an opportunity to interact with others who have endured similar experiences. The unique weekend retreat allows them to share ideas, problems and solutions and make long-lasting friendships. The informal format of this weekend allows time to build new relationships and bonds of understanding and caring, which will lend support through both difficult and good times in the future. The weekend includes informational sessions, visiting local attractions and plenty of time for adults to interact and kids to play.  (see: Cher Family Retreat)
 

public awareness:

One of the most important goals of CCA is to promote social acceptance of children and adults with facial disfigurement. We believe that in order for the general public to accept these and any differences, they must see and understand them. With the support of Cher and many of our families, CCA has been featured twice on the Maury Povich Show, had feature articles in People, Teen People, Allure, Abilities (Canada), Family Circle and Parade magazines. Newspaper articles have appeared in The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Fort Worth Star Telegram, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Rapid City Journal, and the Buffalo Chip Gazette. In addition, CCA is featured under “Family and Friends” and in various press releases on Cher’s official website.
 

Toll-Free Hotline

Physician Listing

Qualified Centers

Family Networking

Educational Booklets

Information and Support

Financial Assistance

CCA Newsletter

Cher’s Family Retreat

Public Awareness